Rangers chief rules out Johnson move

Rangers chairman David Murray today ruled out any chance of the club rekindling their interest in Derby County midfielder Seth Johnson.

Rams boss Jim Smith has been ordered by the club’s bankers to sell one of his star players to raise funds. But Rangers boss Dick Advocaat, who had a £6m bid for the England star turned down last month, will not be helping the English Premiership club out.

"I don’t know anything about the reports today, but we made a bid for him and it was rejected and as a result we are no longer interested," said Murray.

Since having their offer rejected, the Glasgow giants have splashed out on Everton defender Michael Ball and Ajax striker Shota Arveladze.

Murray insists that will be the end of their spending for the time being despite falling seven points behind Celtic in the Premier League.

"We have bought Michael Ball and Shota Arveladze so there is no need for anyone else," he said.

"I understand Derby may have financial problems, but our offer was on the table and they didn’t take it and that’s the end of the matter as far as we are concerned."

Smith rates the 22-year-old at £8m, but assistant manager Colin Todd hinted that they would drop the price in their current position.

He said: "Somebody must go to bring in a substantial amount of money as soon as possible.

"Jim and myself are utterly opposed to the idea, but we no longer have any choice in the matter.

"Rory Delap went to Southampton at the start of the season for £4m, but that has not stemmed the tide.

"The trouble is we won’t just be weakening our own team, we will be strengthening somebody else while we fight to avoid relegation from the Premiership.

"Sadly we seem to have lost the battle to hold the line against further departures."